Murknen
Where the Waters Whisper
Murknen, the vast inland sea of Kallonia, stretches across the heart of the land, its deep waters connecting ancient civilizations, hidden mysteries, and the ever-present ebb and flow of maritime travel. A realm unto itself, the sea has long been the lifeblood of those who dwell upon its shores, its tides whispering tales of ages past.
Geography and Climate
Nestled between the western reaches of Kallonia and the southern expanse of Banewood Forest, Murknen serves as an isolated yet vital waterway. The sea’s deep, cold waters are rich with marine life, though its depths conceal much that remains unknown. Coral reefs, such as those where the legendary Glowing Aloe thrives, form treacherous underwater labyrinths, making seafaring a perilous yet rewarding venture. The coastline is dotted with jagged cliffs, secluded inlets, and ancient ruins swallowed by time.
The climate around Murknen varies drastically—its northern shores see biting winds and mist-laden waters, while the southern reaches, flanked by the dense and foreboding Banewood Forest, experience a more temperate climate. However, storms are known to rise without warning, conjured by unseen forces that lurk in the abyss below. Many a sailor has sworn that Murknen has a will of its own, choosing which ships it allows to cross unscathed and which it drags to a watery grave.
Significance and Trade
Unlike the open coasts of Kallonia, Murknen is not a major artery of Dragsan commerce. The Disciples of Chaos and the Fortress of Dragsa direct most of their trade and transport overland, rather than relying on its waters. Instead, only a handful of settlements—most notably Woodhaven and Forest Grove—use Murknen for local fishing, trade, and occasional transport. Forest Grove, located on the eastern shores of Lake Frothloch, sees deep-sea fishermen journey westward to Murknen’s waters, braving the treacherous routes to harvest the sea’s bounty. Woodhaven, positioned 150km south, must first send vessels upriver to Lake Frothloch before making the long voyage west to Murknen, making it a more arduous but sometimes necessary route.
Encura, the great merfolk kingdom, lies far to the west, beyond the sea’s reach, yet its influence can be felt in Murknen’s waters. Some claim that merfolk envoys traverse the depths, watching those who sail too far from the known routes. Others speak of hidden sanctuaries beneath the waves—forgotten relics of an age long past.
Legends and Mysteries
Like any ancient body of water, Murknen has its share of legends. There are whispers of lost cities submerged beneath the waves, of great leviathans that slumber in the abyss, and of spectral lights that guide—or deceive—wayward sailors. One of the most persistent myths speaks of a portal hidden in the depths, a gateway to an unknown world where the sea itself is alive and hungers for the unwary.
Despite the dangers, Murknen remains a force of nature and a gateway to the unknown, shaping the history and future of all who dare to sail its vast, enigmatic waters.
"Murknen does not reveal its secrets easily. It is a jealous sea, hoarding its treasures beneath the waves, whispering to the lost, and laughing at those who believe they command its tides."
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